San Antonio International Airport Gives Special Needs Tour

Published on March 01, 2023

San Antonio (March 1, 2023) – San Antonio International Airport (SAT) recently hosted a tour for Respite Haus, a respite care program for adults with special needs. The group, along with a chaperone, visited SAT to learn about airport operations. Southwest Airlines, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and San Antonio Airport System employees worked together to show the group how travelers get their boarding pass, move through the security checkpoint and find their gate.
 
They met a TSA canine named Dino and his handler, Darrel Hagan. They also walked through one of the jetways, which was a new experience for many in the group who haven’t flown on a plane.
 
As part of the tour, the participants learned about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program and received a free lanyard. It assists travelers of all ages to self-identify in a discreet manner to others that they may require additional support while passing through SAT and many other participating airports across the world.
 
The group concluded their visit by taking a behind-the-scenes shuttle ride on the airfield. Their last stop was at the Airport Rescue Fire Fighter Station, where Capt. James Bennett showed some of the huge fire trucks and specialized equipment used at the airport.
 
“These tours are so helpful to show people how the airport runs, and to alleviate any possible fears they may have,” said David Paredes, Special Activities Coordinator at SAT. “Everyone participating from the Respite Haus tour was excited to get a goodie bag from Southwest Airlines and a Sunflower Lanyard, too.”
 
Tours of the airport for travelers with special needs are available periodically. For anyone interested, please send an email to David.Paredes@sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-3546 to be included in the next one.
 
For more information on how to get a free Sunflower Lanyard, visit the airport’s website.